Don’t let a reckless driver’s actions define your future; call the Law Office of Michael J. Carroll at (612) 816-1072 and get the assistance of a trusted local advocate. You deserve justice and compensation; we’re here to ensure you get both.

​

Every year, innocent people across Rhode Island are seriously injured, or worse, because someone else took the reckless and irresponsible decision of driving under the influence. Whether it's a late-night collision on I-95 through Providence, a crash near the bars on Thames Street in Newport, or an accident along Route 1A in Warwick, the consequences of drunk driving are devastating and far-reaching.

​

If you or someone you love has been hit by a drunk driver in Rhode Island, you may be feeling overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what to do next. That's where a knowledgeable Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer can make all the difference.

​

Victims of drunk driving crashes not only suffer physical injuries but often experience significant financial hardship, emotional trauma, and long-term disruption to their daily lives. Holding the drunk driver accountable in criminal court is only one part of the equation; pursuing full compensation through a civil claim ensures your losses are not shouldered alone. A DUI crash attorney in Rhode Island can investigate your case, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the justice you deserve.

​

DUI Crashes Are Shockingly Common in Rhode Island

Despite decades of public awareness campaigns, impaired driving continues to plague communities throughout the state. From college party zones in Kingston to busy nightlife corridors in downtown Providence, accidents caused by intoxicated drivers are an unfortunate reality that doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon.

​

Some high-risk areas for DUI-related collisions include:

​

• I-195 and Route 6: Key highways with late-night traffic and frequent police reports of impaired drivers

• Atwells Avenue in Federal Hill: Known for heavy pedestrian and bar traffic

• Routes 138 and 102: Rural roads where crashes often occur at higher speeds

​

If you’ve been struck by a drunk driver in one of these areas, or anywhere else in Rhode Island, you may be entitled to compensation beyond what basic insurance coverage offers. And if alcohol was served irresponsibly by a bar, restaurant, or party host, additional claims may be possible under Rhode Island’s dram shop laws.

​

The Scope of Our Drunk Driving Accidents Lawyers in Rhode Island

Drunk driving remains one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of motor vehicle accidents in Rhode Island. Despite widespread awareness and strict laws, impaired drivers continue to put lives at risk on both urban roads and rural highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-related crashes account for a significant percentage of fatal accidents each year in the state. These crashes often result in life-altering injuries, wrongful deaths, and complex legal battles for victims and their families.

​

In cities like Providence, Warwick, and Cranston, busy roadways such as I-95, Route 10, and Route 1 often see heightened DUI enforcement, particularly during weekends and holidays. Unfortunately, this doesn’t stop all offenders. Late-night collisions, red-light violations, wrong-way driving, and high-speed wrecks caused by intoxicated drivers are all too common. Victims of these incidents may be pedestrians, cyclists, other drivers, or passengers who had no way of anticipating such reckless behavior.

​

Common DUI Accident Scenarios

Drunk driving accidents can occur under many different circumstances, including:

​

• Rear-end collisions: Often due to delayed reaction time and impaired judgment

• Head-on crashes: Especially deadly, frequently occurring on undivided highways and one-way streets

• Intersection accidents: Running red lights or stop signs while impaired leads to side-impact or T-bone crashes

• Pedestrian and cyclist strikes: Drunk drivers are less likely to notice individuals on or near the road

​

These incidents are rarely “accidents” in the traditional sense. They result from bad choices that can leave victims facing long-term physical and financial hardship.

​

Why the Impact Is So Devastating

What sets DUI crashes apart is not just the physical destruction, but the anger and frustration they cause. Knowing your injuries were preventable and that someone chose to get behind the wheel impaired adds an emotional burden to an already traumatic experience. Many victims face not only hospital stays and surgeries, but also the lasting psychological effects of being harmed by such reckless behavior.

​

When you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Rhode Island, the legal system offers options, but they can be hard to navigate alone. That’s why working with a knowledgeable Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer is critical to building a strong claim and recovering full compensation.

​

How Alcohol Impairs Driving and Leads to Crashes

Alcohol has a direct and dangerous effect on a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair mental and physical functions, increasing the likelihood of a serious crash. In Rhode Island, as in the rest of the country, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% is the legal limit for drivers over 21. However, impairment begins well before that point, and many DUI-related crashes involve drivers far exceeding this limit.

​

The Science Behind Impairment

Alcohol impacts the central nervous system, slowing brain function and reducing motor skills. Once consumed, it alters critical cognitive abilities that drivers need to safely navigate roads like Route 146, I-95, and Route 4. These abilities include reaction time, judgment, depth perception, and muscle coordination, all essential for avoiding hazards, obeying traffic signals, and responding quickly to changes in traffic.

​

Dangerous Driving Behaviors Caused by Alcohol

Alcohol impairment leads to a wide range of risky behaviors, including:

​

• Delayed reaction time: Slower reflexes mean the driver may not brake or swerve in time to avoid a collision.

• Reduced concentration: Impaired drivers often fail to notice signs, pedestrians, or traffic lights.

• Poor decision-making: They may engage in reckless behavior like speeding or wrong-way driving.

• Blurry vision and poor depth perception: This makes it challenging to stay in lanes or judge distances.

​

These behaviors can lead to catastrophic crashes, especially at night or on busy roadways like Atwells Avenue in Providence or Post Road in Warwick, where visibility and congestion increase risk. If we add the delayed reaction time, blurred vision, and slips in judgment that alcohol induces in drivers, the combination is a perfect recipe for disaster.

​

Even Buzzed Driving Is Dangerous

It’s important to note that a driver does not need to be legally drunk to be dangerous. “Buzzed” driving, often classified by a BAC of 0.02% to 0.07%, still significantly impacts cognitive function. Many DUI accidents in Rhode Island occur when drivers mistakenly believe they’re “okay to drive” after just a few drinks.

​

When someone chooses to drive under the influence, they endanger everyone around them. An experienced DUI crash attorney in Rhode Island can help you hold that driver accountable and pursue justice for the harm they’ve caused.

​

Common Injuries in Rhode Island Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are often violent and high-impact, leading to some of the most severe injuries seen in motor vehicle collisions. Impaired drivers may fail to brake, drift into oncoming traffic, or collide at full speed with unsuspecting motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians.

​

These crashes can have life-altering consequences on Rhode Island roads like I-295, Route 6, and the busy East Side streets of Providence.

​

Frequently Sustained Injuries

Victims of DUI-related collisions often suffer a range of traumatic injuries, from visible wounds to internal damage that may not be immediately apparent. Some of the most common injuries include:

​

• Traumatic brain injuries: Caused by blunt force trauma to the head, often resulting in cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent disability.

• Spinal cord injuries: These may lead to partial or total paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the damage.

• Broken bones: Collisions often result in fractures to the ribs, arms, legs, pelvis, or facial bones.

• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding can be life-threatening and may not be diagnosed until hours after the crash.

• Lacerations and contusions: Flying glass and twisted metal can cause deep cuts, bruises, and scarring.

• Psychological trauma: Many victims also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression following a serious DUI crash.

​

Long-Term Impact on Victims

In many cases, the injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents require months, or even years, of medical care. Victims may face:

​

• Extended hospitalization and surgeries

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

• Loss of income and future earning potential

• Permanent disability or disfigurement

​

These outcomes don’t just affect the individual but also their families, who often take on caregiving responsibilities and financial burdens. A knowledgeable Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer can help you document these losses and fight for full compensation to support your recovery.

​

The Emotional and Financial Toll of Drunk Driving Accidents

Victims of drunk driving crashes in Rhode Island often face more than just physical injuries; they endure emotional trauma, mounting medical expenses, and disruptions to every part of daily life. When the accident was preventable and caused by someone else’s reckless decision to drink and drive, the pain can feel even more intense.

​

As hospital bills arrive, time off work stretches into weeks or months, and the long road to physical recovery continues, many victims and families find themselves overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for justice.

​

Drunk driving accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage. These are not just injuries; they’re life-altering conditions that require long-term care and rehabilitation. In addition to physical pain, victims may suffer anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress from the collision, especially if it involved children or multiple fatalities.

​

From a financial perspective, the burden can be devastating. Victims may be left without income for extended periods of time or permanently, while facing medical bills, home modifications, and transportation needs. If a loved one were killed, funeral and burial costs add even more emotional and financial strain.

Some of the most common financial and emotional burdens include:

​

●Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, long-term treatment, medications, and follow-up visits

●Lost income and future earnings: Time off work, job loss, or permanent disability affecting your ability to earn

●Emotional suffering: Grief, loss of companionship, depression, and mental anguish

​

An experienced Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve for these losses, holding the impaired driver and any other responsible parties accountable. You don’t have to carry these burdens alone; legal support can make a critical difference in your recovery.

​

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Drunk Driving Crash? Insights from our DUI Accident Attorneys in Rhode Island

In the aftermath of a DUI-related collision, many victims naturally focus on the impaired driver as the responsible party. While the intoxicated driver is typically the primary source of liability, Rhode Island law recognizes that others may also be held accountable depending on the circumstances of the crash. Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial for ensuring full compensation.

​

The Drunk Driver

First and foremost, the impaired driver can be held liable for any injuries, property damage, or fatalities resulting from their reckless decision to drive under the influence. Whether the crash occurred on Route 146 near Lincoln or along the bustling roads of Cranston, intoxicated drivers often face both civil and criminal consequences.

​

Bars, Restaurants, and Social Hosts

Rhode Island follows what is known as “dram shop” and “social host” liability laws. Under these provisions:

​

• Licensed establishments (bars, restaurants, clubs) can be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated and that person later causes an accident.

• Private hosts can also face legal consequences if they knowingly serve alcohol to a minor or allow a visibly impaired guest to drive away.

​

These laws are especially relevant when crashes occur near entertainment districts such as Federal Hill in Providence or post-event traffic leaving places like the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

​

Employers

If the drunk driver was working at the time of the crash, such as a delivery driver or commercial vehicle operator, their employer may also share liability. Employers may be held accountable if they:

​

• Failed to vet the driver’s background or driving history properly.

• Allowed or encouraged unsafe driving practices, such as overworking or neglecting to enforce alcohol policies.

​

Vehicle Owners

In some cases, the person who owns the vehicle but was not driving may be held liable if they knowingly allowed an intoxicated person to operate their car. This is especially relevant when parents allow underage drivers to use their vehicles.

​

By investigating all avenues of liability, an experienced DUI crash attorney in Rhode Island can help victims maximize their recovery and hold every responsible party accountable under state law.

​

Proving Fault and Building a Case Against a Drunk Driver

Establishing fault in a drunk driving accident may seem straightforward, but securing compensation requires a strong, well-documented legal case. Victims must prove the intoxicated driver was not only impaired but that their negligence directly caused the crash and resulting injuries.

​

This burden of proof in Rhode Island involves gathering multiple forms of evidence and navigating the state’s comparative fault rules.

​

Key Elements of a DUI Injury Case

To build a successful case, your legal team must demonstrate:

​

• The driver was under the influence: This is often supported by breathalyzer or blood alcohol concentration test results, police reports, and witness testimony.

• The driver acted negligently. This includes speeding, swerving, ignoring traffic signals, or failing to yield, which are typical behaviors of impaired motorists.

• Their negligence caused your injuries: Medical records, crash reconstruction, and expert opinions can help link the crash to your injuries.

​

Crucial Evidence to Support Your Claim

A DUI crash attorney in Rhode Island will know how to preserve and use the following types of evidence:

​

• Police accident reports documenting the driver’s behavior, field sobriety test results, and any DUI charges filed.

• Surveillance or dashcam footage showing the crash or the driver’s actions before impact.

• Eyewitness statements from passengers, bystanders, or other drivers who observed signs of intoxication or erratic driving.

• Medical records connecting your injuries to the accident and documenting their severity.

​

Rhode Island’s Comparative Fault Law

It’s important to know that Rhode Island follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that even if you are found partially responsible for the crash, you can still recover damages, though your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but deemed 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000.

​

Because insurance companies may try to shift blame to reduce payouts, having a certified Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer is essential to protecting your rights and building a strong, evidence-backed case.

​

From crashes on I-95 near Pawtucket to local roads like Elmwood Avenue in Providence, proving fault and securing justice often hinges on a lawyer’s ability to act quickly and thoroughly.

​

Types of Compensation an Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Recover

Victims injured in DUI-related crashes may be entitled to a wide range of compensation under Rhode Island law. A trusted Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer can help you understand the full scope of damages available and ensure no economic or emotional losses are overlooked. Depending on the nature and severity of the crash, compensation may include both tangible and intangible damages.

​

Economic Damages

These cover financial losses directly related to the crash. They are usually well-documented and easier to quantify:

​

• Medical expenses: Including emergency care, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future treatment needs.

• Lost wages: Income you’ve missed due to your injuries, including lost earning capacity if your injuries impact your long-term ability to work.

• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any damaged personal belongings.

​

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for intangible losses that affect your quality of life:

​

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma stemming from the crash.

• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to engage in activities you previously enjoyed.

• Emotional distress: Psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder caused by the trauma of the crash.

​

Punitive Damages

In some DUI cases, the court may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the drunk driver for egregious misconduct and deter similar behavior. While not guaranteed, they may be awarded if the driver’s actions were especially reckless or showed a willful disregard for safety.

​

Whether the crash happened on Route 4 near Warwick or along Post Road in North Kingstown, the right legal strategy can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. An experienced DUI crash attorney in Rhode Island will gather evidence, calculate damages, and fight to hold every liable party financially accountable.

​

Why Legal Representation Matters

A trusted DUI crash attorney in Rhode Island will not only calculate your current losses but also anticipate long-term costs. Whether the crash occurred on I-95 through Providence or a side road in Cranston, your lawyer will work to secure a settlement or verdict that reflects the full extent of your harm.

​

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Rhode Island

Being hit by a drunk driver is a frightening and traumatic experience. Taking specific steps to protect your health and legal rights is essential in the aftermath. Whether the crash occurred on Route 146 in Lincoln, along Bald Hill Road in Warwick, or on the I-195 corridor through East Providence, knowing what to do can strengthen your compensation claim.

​

Call 911 Immediately

Your first priority should be safety. Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical assistance. Rhode Island law enforcement officers will create an official police report, which is critical in any DUI-related injury claim.

​

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, aren’t immediately apparent. Medical records also provide essential documentation for your personal injury claim.

​

Document the Scene

If you’re able, take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and any visible signs of intoxication (e.g., open alcohol containers). Also gather:

​

• Witness information: Names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash.

• Driver information: Insurance details and license plate number of the at-fault driver.

​

Do Not Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

Avoid making statements to the drunk driver’s insurer without legal representation. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against you.

​

Contact a DUI Crash Attorney in Rhode Island

An experienced Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim, preserving evidence, and fighting for fair compensation.

​

Taking swift, informed action after the crash not only safeguards your recovery but also helps build a stronger legal case.

​

How Rhode Island Drunk Driving Laws Affect Your Civil Case

When a drunk driver in Rhode Island injures you, the consequences extend beyond criminal prosecution. The state’s DUI laws can significantly impact your civil injury claim and the compensation you may be entitled to. Understanding how these laws intersect with personal injury cases helps victims build stronger, more informed claims.

​

DUI Laws in Rhode Island

Under Rhode Island law, a driver is considered legally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration is:

​

• 0.08% or higher for drivers over 21

• 0.04% or higher for commercial vehicle operators

• 0.02% or higher for drivers under 21

​

Driving under the influence is a criminal offense, and convictions can result in fines, license suspension, and jail time. But even if a driver is acquitted criminally, they may still be found civilly liable for causing an accident while intoxicated.

​

Impact on Your Personal Injury Claim

If the driver who hit you is cited or arrested for DUI, that evidence can significantly support your civil case. Police reports, BAC results, and witness testimony may all be used to demonstrate negligence and fault.

​

A DUI charge can also open the door to additional types of compensation:

​

• Punitive damages: These are awarded in extreme cases to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter others from doing the same.

• Easier liability proof: A criminal DUI charge or conviction makes it much easier to prove the driver was at fault for the crash.

​

The Role of a DUI Crash Attorney in Rhode Island

A seasoned Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer understands how to leverage DUI evidence in your injury claim. From obtaining police records to consulting toxicology experts, your attorney can connect the criminal act of drunk driving to the civil harm you’ve suffered.

​

When criminal behavior causes your injuries, Rhode Island’s laws work in your favor, but only if you know how to use them. An experienced attorney ensures the legal system works for you, not against you.

​

Why You Need a Rhode Island Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Being hit by a drunk driver in Rhode Island can leave you with painful injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and a sense of injustice. While criminal charges may be filed against the at-fault driver, that process alone won’t compensate you for the physical, emotional, and financial toll the crash has taken. That’s where an experienced Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer can make a difference.

​

Navigating Complex Civil and Criminal Intersections

Drunk driving cases involve both criminal prosecution and civil litigation. The criminal justice system focuses on punishing the offender, while the civil process is where victims can seek compensation. A knowledgeable DUI crash attorney in Rhode Island understands how to leverage evidence from the criminal case, such as the police report, BAC test results, and arrest records, to strengthen your personal injury claim.

​

Maximizing Compensation

Insurance companies often downplay the severity of injuries or shift blame to the victim. An experienced attorney will fight back by:

​

• Calculating total damages: Including current and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

• Pursuing punitive damages: In cases involving extreme recklessness, like drunk driving, courts may award punitive damages to penalize the at-fault party further.

• Negotiating with insurers: Your lawyer knows the tactics used by insurance adjusters and will work to secure the best possible settlement or take the case to trial if needed.

​

Building a Strong Case

A Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer gathers and preserves key evidence from the moment they take on your case:

​

• Investigative support: Reviewing accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting accident reconstruction experts.

• Medical documentation: Ensuring your injuries are clearly documented and linked to the crash.

• Expert testimony: Bringing in toxicologists or medical professionals to testify about the driver’s impairment and your injuries.

​

Peace of Mind During Recovery

Most importantly, hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on your health while they handle the legal complexities. From filing paperwork to managing deadlines and court appearances, your attorney will take the pressure off your shoulders.

​

When you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Rhode Island, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A dedicated attorney will protect your rights and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

​

Don’t Wait: Get the Legal Support of a Trusted Rhode Island Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

If a drunk driver in Rhode Island has injured you or someone you love, you deserve more than just an apology; you deserve accountability, compensation, and peace of mind. Drunk driving is a reckless choice that puts everyone on the road at risk, and victims should not be left to deal with the consequences alone. Whether your accident happened near I-95 in Providence, on Route 4 in Warwick, or along the scenic coastal roads of South County, you have legal rights, and help is available.

​

An experienced Rhode Island drunk driving accident lawyer can help you pursue full and fair compensation, investigate the crash thoroughly, and deal with the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery. Let a trusted legal advocate guide you through the process and ensure your voice is heard.

 

Call the Law Office of Michael J. Carroll today at (617) 816-1072 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. We’re ready to fight for the justice and accountability you rightfully deserve, starting right now.